The Vine and the Vinedresser: A Koine and Classical Greek Comparison of John 15:2

Πᾶν κλῆμα ἐν ἐμοὶ μὴ φέρον καρπόν, αἴρει αὐτό, καὶ πᾶν τὸ καρπὸν φέρον, καθαίρει αὐτὸ, ἵνα πλείονα καρπὸν φέρῃ. (John 15:2)

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he removes it; and every branch that bears fruit, he prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

Koine Greek Grammar and Syntax Analysis

• πᾶν κλῆμα — Neuter singular: “every branch.” πᾶν modifies κλῆμα (“branch”), metaphorically representing individuals connected to Jesus.
• ἐν ἐμοὶ — Prepositional phrase with dative: “in me.” Indicates relational union with Christ, a theological motif common in John.
• μὴ φέρον καρπόν — Negative participial phrase: “not bearing fruit.” μὴ governs participles; φέρον is present active participle modifying κλῆμα.
• αἴρει αὐτό — Present active indicative, 3rd singular from αἴρω: “he removes it.” The implied subject is the Father (from verse 1).
• πᾶν τὸ καρπὸν φέρον — Another participial phrase, this time positive: “every [branch] bearing fruit.” Noun + participle in attributive construction.
• καθαίρει αὐτό — Present active indicative, 3rd singular from καθαίρω: “he prunes it.” Agricultural metaphor for spiritual discipline.
• ἵνα πλείονα καρπὸν φέρῃ — Final clause introduced by ἵνα. πλείονα is comparative accusative: “more.” φέρῃ is present active subjunctive: “may bear.” Purpose = increase in fruitfulness.

Comparison with Classical Greek Usage

• κλῆμα — While κλῆμα is used in Classical Greek for a vine branch, its metaphorical use for people is rare. The Johannine metaphor of disciples as branches is distinctively Koine.
• μὴ φέρον… vs. τὸ φέρον — Classical Greek prefers relative clauses (e.g., ὃ οὐ φέρει) over participial phrases in parallel contrast. Koine favors participles for compactness and rhetorical symmetry.
• αἴρει… καθαίρει — Both verbs are classical in form and meaning. However, the pruning metaphor as spiritual refinement is more prominent in Koine theology.
• ἵνα πλείονα φέρῃ — Use of ἵνα + subjunctive for purpose is common in both dialects, but the theological idea of fruitful spiritual productivity is a distinct Koine motif.
• Repetition of φέρω — The verbal repetition enhances rhetorical rhythm. Classical prose tends to avoid such direct repetition unless for deliberate poetic effect.

Semantic and Stylistic Shifts

• Organic unity imagery — The phrase “in me” and the use of branches conveys mystical union. Such imagery is more vivid and relational in Koine theology than in Classical philosophy.
• Function over elegance — The verse is designed for clarity and memorability, not elaborate periodic structure. Classical prose would likely embed more hypotaxis or stylistic variation.
• Participial ascription — Instead of descriptive clauses, Koine uses participles to compress ethical states (bearing vs. not bearing). This tightens theological contrast.
• Vocational imagery of pruning — The metaphor of καθαίρειν reveals an active divine role in shaping moral development. Classical literature uses pruning less as a moral metaphor.

Koine and Classical Comparison Table